Gary Bettman Facing Criticism for Omitting Major Part of Ken Dryden's Legacy Following His Passing

One of the greatest goalies in NHL history, six-time cup-champion Ken Dryden, passed away yesterday, leaving an incredible legacy behind him.

While he was among the most prolific players of the 70s, losing an average of 12 games out of every 82. He won the Conn Smythe trophy as playoffs MVP in 1971, before winning the Calder as rookie of the year in '72.

Off the ice, his legacy runs even deeper. A beloved member of the hockey community, his introspection, communication, and care defined what hockey is all about.

His brilliance took him on a true journey following his retirement. He served as a Canadian member of parliament, and was inducted into the Order of Canada in 2020.

One of the main focuses of his post-hockey career, however, was the fight against head injuries and concussions in the NHL.

Why Ken Dryden's Fight Against Head Injuries Defined His Post-Hockey Career

Being a goalie from the 1970s, Dryden was certainly surrounded by a lot of head injuries. He put a large focus of his career on spreading awareness about CTE, which has taken the life of too many professional athletes.

Concussions and brain injuries are not death and taxes; they are not inevitable.
- Ken Dryden

Bettman Faces Backlash for Leaving Out Dryden's Concussion Advocacy

Gary Bettman, the commissioner of the NHL, released a beautiful and touching statement in honour of Dryden, however, his advocacy for head injuries was not mentioned.

Bettman is a known denier of CTE's devastating effects, and that appears to have been reflected in his words.